WASHINGTON – Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA-46), senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, tonight released the following statement in response to President Obama’s speech to the American people regarding the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to the United States.

“I do not take military action lightly. I am not quick to enter conflict without first considering the tremendous sacrifice made by our men and women in uniform and their families.

“However, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is one of the most dangerous threats facing not just our country, but the entire world. President Barack Obama’s direct address to the American people tonight was clear: we must do what we need to do to degrade and destroy this terrorist group.

“I support the President’s strategy to work with a coalition of nations and partners, including Iraq’s new government, to address this threat and minimize putting our troops in harm’s way.”

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 46th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and parts of the cities of Garden Grove and Orange in Orange County. She serves as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces and the second ranked Democrat on the Committee on Homeland Security. Rep. Sanchez is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee.